The Product Manager (Hannah Clark - The Product Manager)

Michael Luchen is joined by Seán Massey, Lead Product Manager at DWP Digital. Much of the advice and insights on building products today is dominantly on how to approach it in the private sector. But what about the public sector? Listen as Seán talks about product management in the public sector.

Michael Luchen is joined by Sam Higham, VP of Product at Glean. Listen as they dive deep into how following a tailored process that we are told to build products is the key to success. Or is there something better?

Michael Luchen is joined by Dan Balcauski, Principal Consultant at Product Tranquility. Listen as they explore product pricing and the multitude of facets that go into setting up your product's pricing strategy.

Michael Luchen is joined by Dan Erickson, CEO and Founder of Viable. Listen as they dive deep into the topic of Natural Language Processing, a powerful tool that will aid the future of product management.

 We know there's so much that goes into building great products, but what goes into launching them? Michael Luchen is joined by Rebecca Kalogeris—VP of Marketing & Product Strategy at Pragmatic Institute—to talk about launching products. 

Meet Hannah Clark—Editor of The Product Manager and the new host of The Product Manager Podcast. Listen to hear Hannah's career journey and to learn what you can expect from this new season of the Product Manager Podcast.

Hannah Clark is joined by Drew Lesicko—VP of Product and Technology at SoulCycle—to talk about the ups and downs of being your own product’s biggest fan, as well as how to avoid the fate of Myspace and Xanga by following your brand’s unique selling proposition into the future.

Hannah Clark is joined by Chris Butler—Lead Product Manager at Google—to talk about how to drive better product decision-making by cutting through the noise. Chris shares factors that define, influence, and impede decision-making, how to understand and manage tension that exists within cross-functional teams, and tools to push past roadblocks.

Hannah Clark is joined by Noa Goldman—Lead Product Manager at Dagshub—to share her recipe for winning stakeholders over, building up relationships, and strengthening the output of the team.

Hannah Clark is joined by Lucie Buisson—Chief Product Officer at Contentsquare—to share her insights on scaling empowered teams, measuring success, and how to create inspiring, intent-driven experiences for customers without intrusive requests for sensitive data.

Hannah Clark is joined by Vijay Umapathy—Director of Product Management at Heap—to talk about how his product team has become incrementally more data-driven, as well as the breakthroughs they've had to generate more insights in less time.

As product people, it should come as no surprise that creating an easy experience is a significant challenge, especially for a global brand like PayPal. And it's not just consumers that seek that seamless experience. The multinational FinTech company is also accountable for a great experience for merchants and developers. 

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Mudita Tiwari—Senior Director for Developer Experiences at PayPal—to talk about how PayPal upholds its core ethos of democratizing payment and what that means at every level of PayPal's operations. 

What's your product's vision statement? If it didn't come to mind right away, you're likely part of the majority of companies that have treated their vision statements as one off exercises. 

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Radhika Dutt—Author of Radical Product Thinking and Chief Product Officer at Moveprice—to talk about how most vision statements are a diamond in the rough, but have the potential to be a tool for flattening barriers, guiding innovation, and aligning cross functional teams. 

Tune in to learn how to use the product vision statement as a compass for your roadmap!

It feels like we've been asking people to like, follow, and subscribe since the dawn of time. But when we take a step back, we can see that these seemingly ubiquitous ways of interacting online have evolved over a relatively short timeline.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Nimrod Priell—Founder of Cord—to talk about the origins of the like button, the rise of emojis, the impact of the pandemic on collaborative software features, and how to think of your product not just in terms of its individual users, but in terms of its role in your customers' ecosystem.

Tune in to learn how the like button revolutionized UX forever!

How can we ensure our product is actually fulfilling our vision? And in a world where well-intentioned products often have catastrophic consequences, how do we craft visions for an equitable future?

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Radhika Dutt—Author of Radical Product Thinking and Chief Product Officer at Moveprice—in this second part conversation to pick up where we left off and examine visionary thinking at a higher level.

Tune in to learn how your product vision shapes reality!

It takes a lot of guts to change directions in your career, especially if the path you're looking for doesn't really look like the one you came from. So if you've been thinking of moving into product management from a less "technical" field, or you're a hiring manager working with these kinds of applicants, you'll find this conversation fascinating.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Natalia Baryshnikova—GM & Head of Enterprise Agility at Atlassian—to talk about her own atypical career path and how it's helped her weave principles from the art world into her work—first as a product manager, and now as a leader.

How can we use our skills as product managers for good?

Brace yourself for a deep, insightful tête-à-tête with Jen Carter, Google.org's global head of technology. We peel back the layers on how Google's philanthropic division is trailblazing its way through humanity's gargantuan challenges, leveraging tech for social impact. From the incredible difference being made with their grant dollars to the gamut of volunteer opportunities for Googlers, get ready to be inspired and gain a fresh appreciation for the skills you have as a product manager.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a bold vision into a thriving educational revolution?

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Carlos Gonzáles de Villaumbrosia—Founder & CEO at Product School—to talk about how he defied odds and bootstrapped his way to establishing an avant-garde learning platform that flawlessly blends engineering and business education, all the while emphasizing the power of real-world learning from industry experts.

How well do you understand the structure and culture of your product team's organization?

Michael Pierce—Director of Product Management at the Public Consulting Group—shares about the crucial elements of product management: the structure and culture of the product team's organization, the importance of understanding if a company is sales, finance, or marketing-oriented, and the effects of these orientations on decision-making structures.

Most of us feel like we're good people doing the right things for the right reasons, and at the same time, we know there are organizations in the world that aren't really living that ethos. So how are all these good people getting tangled up in bad deeds?

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Samantha Gonzalez—Associate Director of Product Strategy at DockYard, Inc.—to talk about her intriguing journey and her innovative approach to team-building.

Be prepared to have your understanding of ethical product strategy completely transformed!

Master the tools that drove Shamsheer Shergill—Senior PM & Coach, ex-Pinterest & Thumbtack—to the pinnacle of her career: emotional intelligence and the art of accountability.

This conversation offers practical insights into how you can harness the power of these transformative skills for your own success. As well as how to use emotional intelligence as a catalyst for influencing stakeholders and driving impactful results.

Tune in to discover the significance of feedback and its effective delivery, the importance of context in stakeholder communication, and how to hone emotional intelligence to grow your influence as a PM.

To follow Shamsheer, connect with her on LinkedIn  or checkout her website. 

Ever wondered how our reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping our future or if it's threatening our job security?

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Ken Hubbell—CEO of Soffos.ai and Senior Consultant at The Pragmatic Futurist—to explore the ethical side of AI, inherent biases, and the need for curated information on AI.

Tune in for a conversation on the future of technology and human potential in this AI age.

Are you caught in the haze of miscommunication, competing priorities, and lack of clarity in your organization?

Let's clear the fog together as we welcome Bijan Shahrokhi, an expert in the product management field. Bijan shares his intriguing journey into the product niche and underscores the importance of clarity within an organization. From personal anecdotes to discussions on the consequences of unclear communication, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips for anyone involved in product management.

Join the conversation with Andrea Saez, the trailblazing mind behind 'The Product Momentum Gap,' as we navigate the complex world of product management and the delicate dance between business growth and real customer value.

Discover how to maintain focus in product building and foster a continuous dialogue with customers to steer clear of distractions, ensuring your start-up doesn't stray from its market fit.

Ever wondered what it takes to unearth the most compelling insights from a user interview?

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Steve Portigal—User Research Consultant & Author of Interviewing Users: How to Uncover Compelling Insights (2nd Edition)—to discuss the nuance involved in conducting user interviews, how to ask follow-up questions, and tips to manage unexpected responses.

Curious about a career product management?

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Mariana Antaya—Product Manager at Microsoft Teams—to discuss her journey into product management and to give advice for aspiring product managers.

In the world of product development, understanding the needs and wants of users is paramount to creating successful products.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Craig Watson—Founder & CEO of Arro—to share the secrets to successful product discovery and how you can leverage generative AI in the user research process.

User research is an invaluable tool in the world of product management, but what happens when you find yourself in the position of being the de facto user research lead without any formal training?

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Michele Ronsen—CEO and Founder of Curiosity Tank—to delve into the critical process of user research, a tool that is often underutilized or misunderstood within product development cycles.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Michele on LinkedIn
• Check out Curiosity Tank
• Check out A PMs Guide to Nailing UXR with Zero UXR Training

In product management, it’s easy to find oneself donning the cape of a hero. But what if the true path to success and impact goes beyond the allure of being the team’s go-to savior?

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Clement Kao—Founder of Product Teacher—to delve into the intricacies of heroism in product management and explore strategies for empowering product teams more sustainably.

In a landscape increasingly dominated by remote work and artificial intelligence, the sense of community within product management has become a beacon for innovation and personal fulfillment.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Michael Mordak—Community Product Manager at Black & White Zebra—to unveil the secret sauce for thriving in product management communities.

Innovation is often portrayed as the holy grail of business success—a mystical outcome that many strive for but few achieve.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Alexander Wennerberg—Founder of Hives.co—to demystify this concept, arguing that innovation is not the ultimate goal but a positive byproduct of constant pursuit and progress.

Product management is an ever-evolving field, especially in today's post-pandemic software industry job market.

In this part one of a two-part conversation, Hannah Clark is joined by Jessica Smith—Founder and CEO of Savant Recruiting—to share invaluable insights on how to come out on top in the competitive landscape of product management careers. 

In the fast-paced world of product management, the role of a leader is crucial in shaping the success and growth of a team.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Jessica Smith—Founder & CEO of Savant Recruitment—to explore the intricacies of product leadership, talent acquisition, and team retention.

In the ever-evolving world of product management, the term "feature factory" has become somewhat of an industry buzzword, often thrown around with a mix of humor and resignation. But what does it really mean to work in a so-called feature factory, and more importantly, how can product managers not only survive but thrive in such environments?

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Aakash Gupta—Product Leader & Author of the Product Growth Newsletter—to explore these questions.

Negotiating your salary as a PM can often feel daunting. But, with the right strategies and insights, you can confidently approach these discussions and secure the compensation you deserve.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Dr. Nancy Li—Founder of Product Manager Accelerator & Host of Product Insider—to share negotiation tactics, when to ask for a raise, and advice for overcoming discomfort during compensation conversations. 

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a cornerstone of innovation and growth. One of the key roles that harness the potential of AI is that of an AI Product Manager.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Dr. Nancy Li—Founder of Product Manager Accelerator & Host of Product Insider—to share her blueprint for career acceleration in this dynamic and growing field.

In the world of product management, the journey from a novel idea to a fully-fledged product can be thrilling yet daunting. What mindset drives the success of product founders?

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Brendan Fortune—Director, Product Management at Customer.io—to share his unique experiences and keen insights on the significance of adopting a founder mindset, managing tensions, and the importance of radical candor in the workplace.

The world of e-commerce is in a constant state of flux, with new trends and technologies reshaping the way we buy and sell online. 

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Jeff Orange—Product Manager at TikTok—to share his do's and don't's of developing ecommerce platforms, practical tips for overcoming barriers to purchasing, and the emerging trends informing the future of ecommerce.

In the fast-paced world of product development, the ability to efficiently run a product war room can make the difference between a groundbreaking launch and a missed opportunity.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Victoria Ku—Head of Product & Design at Highnote—to share her extensive experience from companies like Airbnb to provide actionable insights on mastering product war rooms.

The success of any organization, especially in the digital product world, hinges on its ability to strategize effectively. Yet, the concept of strategy remains ambiguous to many. What exactly do we mean by "product strategy," and how can we harness it to achieve our goals?

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Roman Pichler to delve deep into the intricacies of product strategy.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives and economies worldwide, but it also accelerated the evolution of certain companies into essential services. Instacart is a prime example of this transformation.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Daniel Danker—CPO at Instacart—to shed light on Instacart’s journey from a convenience service to a lifeline for millions, the operational strategies employed to handle unprecedented demand, and the career development opportunities within the company.

In the fast-paced world of Agile organizations, experimentation is the lifeblood of innovation and progress. However, the reality is that not all experiments yield positive outcomes.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Manuel Da Costa—Founder of Effective Experiments—to shed light on the phenomenon known as the product-process gap and discuss ways organizations can foster better experimentation practices.

In the rapidly evolving field of product management, the blend of qualitative and quantitative research is essential for making informed decisions. The challenge, however, lies in how to effectively combine these two approaches to paint an accurate picture of user needs and behaviors.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Laura Klein—Principal at Users Know—to talk about the intersection of these research methods and how product teams can best leverage them to build successful products.

Can understanding users' real-life experiences transform your product development strategy?

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Kevin Gentry—Principal Product Manager at Hilton Grand Vacations, & Co-founder and Host of the Product Coffee Podcast—to unveil his well-honed playbook for sourcing user insights, rooted in the principles of "The Mom Test."

We’ve all experienced it: the frustration of a poorly designed product or service. But what sets apart the truly exceptional user experiences from the merely satisfactory ones?

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Jared Spool—Maker of Awesomeness at Center Centre—to delve into the nuances of UX design, exploring the gap between meeting expectations and creating genuine delight.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Jared on LinkedIn
• Check out Leaders of Awesomeness - Center Centre

You've probably come across the statement that product managers are, in a sense, the CEOs of their products. While opinions on this can vary, one thing is for certain: being a PM equips you with a range of invaluable skills that can someday make you an excellent CEO.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Dani Grant—Co-founder & CEO of Jam.dev—to share her incredible journey from a product manager to a successful founder.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Dani on LinkedIn
• Check out Jam.dev

Navigating the world of salary negotiations can be daunting, but mastering this essential skill can significantly impact your career growth.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Josh Doody—Salary Negotiation Coach for High Earners—to share strategies that can help job seekers potentially secure thousands of dollars more in compensation, and adapt these techniques to future negotiations throughout their careers.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Josh on LinkedIn
• Check out Fearless Salary Negotiation

In today's data-driven landscape, organizations often find themselves drowning in a sea of data, yet struggling to glean actionable insights from it. Many companies are eager to label themselves as data-centric, but the reality is that not everyone is equally adept at interpreting and utilizing data effectively. Often, insights are fragmented, and the analytics presented do not provide the full picture needed for informed decision-making.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Mo Hallaba—CEO of Datawisp—to discuss the gaps between the vast amount of data collected by organizations and the efficacy of its use, while also offering practical solutions for better data management and visualization.

Resources from this episode:

• Check out this episode's sponsor Sprig
• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Mo on X and LinkedIn
• Check out Datawisp

In the ever-evolving landscape of product management, growth hacking has become a pivotal challenge for organizations aiming to scale their products effectively.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Samantha Hepler—Principal Product Manager at Procore Technologies—to delve into the intricacies of sustainable growth strategies.

Resources from this episode:

• Check out this episode's sponsor Sprig
• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Samantha on LinkedIn
• Check out Procore Technologies

In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming various industries, developing expertise in AI product management is becoming indispensable for today's software product managers.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Praveen Gujar—Director of Product at LinkedIn—to share his valuable perspectives on the critical skills needed for AI PMs, the growing demand for AI expertise, and the pivotal role of data hygiene and ethics in AI development.

Resources from this episode:

• Check out this episode's sponsor Sprig
• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Praveen on LinkedIn and X

Product adoption can sometimes feel as elusive as catching lightning in a bottle. There are myriad reasons why users might resist adopting new products, from the fear of change to the comfort of established routines.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by George Brooks—Founder and CEO of Crema—to explore these challenges and draw out actionable insights for product leaders.

Resources from this episode:

• Check out this episode's sponsor Sprig
• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with George on LinkedIn
• Check out Crema

In the world of product management, the popular adage "People don't leave bad jobs, they leave bad managers" resonates all too well. As leaders, it’s crucial to prioritize the human connection and support that teams need to foster a thriving work environment.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Nancy Chu—PM Coach—to discuss how compassion plays a vital role in effective leadership and team dynamics, particularly in the tech industry.

Resources from this episode:

• Check out this episode's sponsor Sprig
• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Nancy on LinkedIn and Instagram
• Check out Nancy’s website

Many professionals in the tech industry begin their journey in the dynamic world of startups, learning to thrive in fast-paced environments and wearing many hats. However, as career paths evolve, some find themselves curious about the opportunities and unique culture of larger tech companies.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Melika Hope—Director of Product Management at Spotify—to explore the intricacies of transitioning from startups to Big Tech.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Check out this episode’s sponsor Sprig
• Connect with Melika on LinkedIn

In the fast-paced world of product design, balancing technological advancements with empathy is more critical than ever.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Koji Pereira—VP of Design & Research at Sigma Computing—to offer a unique perspective on this delicate balance. Drawing from his rich career at tech giants like Google, Lyft, and Twitter, Koji underscores the transformative power of empathy in product design and leadership.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Check out this episode’s sponsor Sprig
• Connect with Koji on LinkedIn
• Check out Sigma Computing

In the ever-evolving world of technology and product management, leaders are continually seeking the tools and skillsets that will set them apart. One of the most underrated yet essential competencies is emotional intelligence (EI), a trait that can significantly influence team dynamics, decision-making, and leadership effectiveness.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Robert Ta—Chief Product Architect for Dayforce—to delve into the power of emotional intelligence in leadership and its profound impact on personal and professional growth.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Check out this episode’s sponsor Sprig
• Connect with Robert on LinkedIn
• Check out Dayforce

In an era where AI is transforming industries at a rapid pace, product roles infused with AI capabilities are among the most sought-after in tech. If you're looking to break into this sphere or enhance your existing skills, understanding the journey and strategies of those leading the charge can be incredibly beneficial.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Lorilyn McCue—AI Product Manager at Superhuman—to share her insights on navigating the evolving landscape of AI product management.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Check out this episode's sponsor: Wix Studio
• Connect with Lorilyn on LinkedIn
• Check out Superhuman

In an era marked by rapid technological change and economic uncertainty, the tech industry once seen as a paragon of stability is now grappling with significant upheaval.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Victoria Ku—ex-Airbnb and former Head of Product & Design at Highnote—to explore the shifting paradigms in the tech industry post-pandemic, the prevailing economic difficulties, and the widespread influence of AI on our professional landscape.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Check out this episode's sponsor: Wix Studio
• Connect with Victoria on LinkedIn

Product management is a field that often emphasizes the importance of frameworks. These tools provide a structured approach to the many tasks PMs face daily. However, reliance on frameworks can sometimes inadvertently stifle innovation and critical thinking.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Avrum Laurie—CPO at Felix Health—to explore the double-edged nature of frameworks in product management.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Check out this episode’s sponsor: Wix Studio
• Connect with Avrum on LinkedIn
• Check out Felix Health

Pricing is a perennial hot topic. How much value should you provide for free, and at what point should users need to convert into paying customers? How much should you charge, and how often?

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Cem Kansu—Head of Product at Duolingo—to explore how Duolingo has navigated challenges in monetization, expansion into new markets, and the integration of cutting-edge technology.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Check out this episode’s sponsor: Wix Studio
• Connect with Cem on LinkedIn and Twitter/X
• Check out Duolingo

As the saying goes, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. I think that old chestnut really sums up the product onboarding to adoption pipeline; just because a user has found your product doesn't mean they'll end up paying for it. I get it; it's frustrating when new users seem to arrive at your product, take a sniff, and gallop off into the sunset. But we're not here to commiserate about runaway users, we're here to zoom out on this kooky little analogy and understand how to get that horse to drink. Because when you look at the context around successful product adoption, you'll notice that many parts of that journey actually begin long before and continue long after user activation.

My guest today is Ramli John, author of Product-Led Onboarding and the founder of Delight Path, a product onboarding consulting firm. Ramli is like, THE guy for product-led onboarding wisdom. So we were really lucky to have him come on and share some practical frameworks, tactics, and tools for figuring out how to evaluate and refine your user onboarding journey.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Check out this episode’s sponsor: Wix Studio
• Connect with Ramli on LinkedIn
• Check out Delight Path
• Product-Led Onboarding: How to Turn Users Into Lifelong Customers
• Ramli John’s New Book — EUREKA: The Customer Onboarding Playbook for High-Growth B2B Companies

My guest today is Tal Raviv, the genius behind the popular course entitled "Build Your Personal PM Productivity System & AI Copilot", which is a pretty fancy name. And it's also a pretty big deal for someone who previously described himself as an AI skeptic. But for Tal, the game changer was figuring out why so many PMs struggle to extract the full value out of their LLM tools and uncovering the tactics that actually have the power to transform your productivity.

And yes, we will be breaking those tactics down in this episode. We'll dive into how onboarding AI is much like onboarding a new team member, why iterative prompt engineering is key and practical advice for how to start tinkering with AI tools and build confidence in your skills. 

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Check out this episode’s sponsor: Wix Studio
• Connect with Tal on LinkedIn and Twitter/X

If we were to rank the top paradigm shifts in product in the last 10 years, I'd reckon AI and product-led growth would sit at the top of that list. Both concepts really come down to amplifying efficiency, doing more with less. But the real cheat code is bringing them together and using the time saving power of LLMs to enhance your PLG strategy.

In a recent panel event, How to Use AI to Supercharge Product-Led Growth, we brought together three awesome PLG experts — Ramli John, the founder of Delight Path, Dani Grant, the CEO of Jam.dev, and Anuj Adhiya, the author of Growth Hacking for Dummies. We got the three of them talking about the ways product teams can leverage AI technology right now to boost every phase of the user journey.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Check out this episode’s sponsor: Wix Studio
• Connect with Ramli, Dani, and Anuj on LinkedIn
• Check out Delight Path, Jam.dev, and Techstars

As we wrap up an extraordinary year, join us in reflecting on the highlights of The Product Manager Podcast in 2024. This milestone year included engaging conversations, insightful guests, and a growing audience that recently hit 100,000 downloads.

In this special year-end edition, host Hannah Clark and producer Becca Banyard share behind-the-scenes stories of the podcast's success. With gratitude, they revisit episodes that shaped the show's journey and impacted its listeners.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter

Burning out isn't a matter of 'if' as much as a matter of 'when'. According to Mind the Product, over 80 percent of product managers report experiencing burnout during their careers — and I reckon that number is pretty conservative. As high achievers, we're prone to pushing our limits beyond the breaking point when it comes to our careers. But even though just about everyone goes through it, burnout can still feel horribly isolating. It can trick us into thinking we're not trying hard enough, or just not good enough at all. 

My guest today is Evie Brockwell, a product expert, consultant, and coach. After learning just how bad burnout was affecting her clients and colleagues, Evie dug in with loads of independent research to understand the problem and how PMs can avoid it, or at the very least, recover from it. Toward the end, we also cover proactive strategies for leaders to protect their teams from feeling the burn.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Evie on LinkedIn
• Check out Evie’s website

Accessibility often sits uncomfortably on the fringes of roadmap discussions. Many organizations prioritize features with the biggest impact, sidelining those that benefit a smaller percentage of users. Yet, the dialogue on accessibility is not just about inclusion but also intersects with business ethics and market expansion.

In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Prerna Ramachandra—Principal Product Manager at Yahoo—to delve into the business case for accessibility and effective strategies to integrate it seamlessly into product development.

In the age of remote work, product teams can take a lot of forms, and are no longer limited to the talent pool of a specific geographic area. That means many of us are working closely every day with colleagues in completely different time zones, while also building products for customers around the world. And while the ability to connect, collaborate, and sell internationally offers a wealth of opportunities, it also comes with a whole world of intricacies and challenges.

My guest today is Craig Guarraci, who has spent the past 30 years working for Big Tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft, and is now putting his experience to work as a Career Coach. Given his background and current focus, Craig is MORE than familiar with some of the more delicate challenges of building and launching products internationally. We discussed the considerations PMs, executives, and entrepreneurs need to be thinking about when working across borders, and how to make sure your best efforts don’t get lost in translation.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn
• Check out Tech PM Career Path

Whether you prefer the term data-driven, or data-informed, or data-dazzled, it doesn't matter—today's tech cannot survive without high quality data sets AND the tools to use them effectively. But we also can't afford to think about data as the responsibility of just one or two departments in the organization—instead, we need to be going into 2025 with a mindset of data democratization. In other words, our business is our customers, so what our customers are saying should be everyone's business. 

My guest today is Mario Ciabarra, Founder and CEO of Quantum Metric. Quantum is a Gen-AI powered analytics platform that allows companies to interpret data into useful insights for different stakeholders so that everyone—from the first day product designer to the company founder—can bake empathy for customers into every decision. We discussed how this works in practice, considerations around data hygiene, and some predictions on how Gen-AI will drive the evolution of analytics this year and beyond.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Mario on LinkedIn
• Check out Quantum Metric

Not to get all "check your privileges" on you, but if your organization has an in-house research team, or works with a research firm, or even has just one UXR on staff, you gotta count yourself lucky. According to the 2024 State of Research Report by User Interviews, for every one dedicated researcher, there are five PWDRs—that stands for 'people who do research'. So by my math, that means that there's a 1 in 6 chance that one of those PWDRs is you. 

So if you do identify as a PWDR, you're likely in a situation where you're doing the absolute best job you can doing UXR off the side of your desk, while painfully aware that you don't know what you don't know about doing it better.

And since 1 in 6 of us are in this exact position, we held a phenomenal panel event with three renowned user research experts who really get it and want to help. In this recording, you'll learn what good, decent, and great user research looks like, the traits that distinguish good, decent, and great UX design, and useful strategies to connect UX insights to your product's unique selling proposition.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Laura, Steve, and Thomas on LinkedIn
• Check out Users Know, Portigal Consulting, and Drill Bit Labs

The times are changing, and AI is driving a major shift in how we approach product and leadership. It’s exciting, unpredictable, and inevitable—but how do we navigate this change?

Hannah Clark sits down with Greg Petroff, a design thought leader and seasoned executive, to discuss the tools, organizational shifts, and strategies that leaders need to adopt in this fast-paced era. Tune in to hear Greg’s insights on adapting to change and staying ahead in the AI-driven world.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Greg on LinkedIn
• Check out Greg’s Substack:  Improbable Futures

Starting a new job is tough—but stepping into an executive role is a whole different challenge. With high stakes, unrealistic expectations, and all eyes on you, how do you navigate this transition successfully?

In this episode, Hannah talks with Yue Zhao, executive coach and founder of The Uncommon Executive, about the realities of executive life, adapting to new dynamics, and essential steps beyond the typical 90-day plan.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Yue on LinkedIn
• Check out The Uncommon Executive

The product industry is constantly evolving, and navigating silos—both across departments and between leadership levels—can make career growth feel like a challenge. Without alignment, collaboration suffers, progress stalls, and figuring out how to advance becomes even harder.

In this special panel episode, host Hannah Clark is joined by Melika Hope (Director of Product Management at Spotify) and Ken Romano (VP of Product at Stacker) to discuss what product leaders truly value in 2025. They dive into the skills, strategies, and mindset shifts that can help you make a real impact on your product, team, and career this year.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Melika and Ken on LinkedIn
• Check out Spotify and Stacker

Every career path comes with its own set of challenges—you just have to choose your hard. Leading product at a startup, finding product-market fit, and scaling a company is tough, but so is staying stuck in a feature factory. In this episode, host Hannah Clark sits down with Benjamin Berry, CPO of EvolutionIQ, to discuss how he navigated these challenges to help grow his company to a $730 million valuation.

Benjamin shares the leadership strategies that enabled sustainable scaling, drove 350% growth in two years, and helped EvolutionIQ thrive in the competitive AI market—all without an insurance background. Tune in to learn how to prioritize market opportunities and make the tough calls that lead to success.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Benjamin on LinkedIn
• Check out EvolutionIQ

How many logins do you use at work each week? If you’re not sure, you’re not alone. A 2024 report found that the average employee uses 36 cloud-based services daily—engineering teams use twice as many! Yet, over half of SaaS licenses go unused, wasting valuable resources.

In this episode, host Hannah Clark sits down with Moshe Mikanovsky, founder of Products for Good and co-host of the Product for Product podcast. Moshe shares his framework for selecting the right tools, helping organizations boost adoption, productivity, and cost efficiency. Tune in to learn how to make smarter software choices!

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Moshe on LinkedIn
• Check out Products for Good and Product for Product podcast
• Moshe’s frameworks

Navigating AI disruption is like steering a ship—startups move like speedboats, while enterprises must turn the equivalent of a cruise liner. In this episode, host Hannah Clark speaks with Randhir Vieira, Chief Product Officer at Omada Health, about how established companies can adapt to AI-driven change despite their size and complexity.

With over a decade in operation, Omada Health faces different challenges than AI-native startups. Randhir shares strategies for integrating AI into both product development and company culture, offering insights on how enterprise leaders can stay agile and competitive in this fast-changing landscape.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Randhir on LinkedIn
• Check out Omada Health

In this episode, we catch up with Mariana Antaya, Product Manager at Microsoft, who first joined the show in February 2024. Since then, AI has gone mainstream, the tech job market has shifted, and her career has evolved significantly. Last time, Mariana shared practical advice for aspiring PMs, which became our most downloaded episode ever, and now we’re diving into what’s changed and what aspiring PMs need to succeed in 2025.

Host Hannah Clark reconnects with Mariana to reflect on the rapid developments in AI and the evolving landscape of the tech industry. They discuss how aspiring product managers can adapt and thrive in this new environment, with insights that will help listeners stay ahead of the curve.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Mariana on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok
• Check out Microsoft

In this episode, we dive into the phenomenon of the "feature factory," where companies focus more on releasing products and features rapidly rather than prioritizing quality or user needs. John Cutler coined the term, and it perfectly captures the feeling many teams face: launching features without a clear understanding of who they’re for or how they impact the business. If this resonates with you, keep listening as we explore how to break free from this cycle.

In our panel discussion, we hear from three product leaders—Aakash Gupta, Andrea Saez, and Paweł Huryn—who share their insights on shifting from output-focused to outcome-driven product development. They offer actionable frameworks for maintaining strategic focus, addressing mid-market pressures, and fostering a culture that values meaningful outcomes over sheer feature volume. Whether you're scaling a business or trying to reignite your team’s creativity, this conversation offers practical advice for escaping the feature factory mindset.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Aakash, Paweł, and Andrea on LinkedIn
• Check out The Product Growth Newsletter, The Product Compass Newsletter, and The Product Momentum Gap

Zoom’s journey from a popular video conferencing tool to a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic was followed by a wave of competition. But rather than being overwhelmed, Zoom has embraced new opportunities for innovation, especially with the rise of AI. Smita Hashim, Zoom's Chief Product Officer, shares insights into the company's response to the challenges of the pandemic and the rapid shifts in the tech landscape.

Smita discusses her experience leading Zoom through this transformative period, highlighting the role of generative AI in shaping Zoom’s future. With bold strides in AI and an evolving product portfolio, Smita offers a glimpse into what’s next for the company as it adapts to a new era of growth and competition.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Smita on LinkedIn

A seedling and a tree may share the same DNA, but their roles in the ecosystem are vastly different—just like junior and executive product leaders. As leaders climb the ranks, their focus shifts from producing features to providing structure and support that allow teams to thrive.

Debbie McMahon, Chief Product Officer at the Financial Times, reflects on this evolution and how her approach to leadership has matured over time. From managing complex internal and external relationships to knowing when not to follow popular advice, Debbie offers practical wisdom on staying grounded, building trust, and leading with intention at the executive level.

Resources from this episode:

• Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter
• Connect with Debbie on LinkedIn
• Check out The Financial Times

Ben Aston is joined by Michael Luchen, the Director of Product Management at Crema. He is the resident host of the Project Manager podcast. He has got a vast amount of experience building teams, helping people develop products for enterprises, small businesses, and startups across a whole load of different industries. Listen to learn more about the Product Manager Podcast.

Michael Luchen is joined by John Carter, Founder, and Principal of TCGen Inc. He has been a widely respected adviser to technology firms over his career. He has advised some of the most revered technology firms in the world: Abbott, Amazon, Apple, BOSE, Cisco, Fitbit, HP, IBM, and Roche. Listen to learn how to cultivate innovation in products.

Michael Luchen is joined by Natalie Mandriko, product manager at GroundTruth. She manages products B2B/B2C by using data and collaborating across departments to deliver valuable and usable experiences for your customers that are viable for your business. Listen to learn how cross-functional collaboration empowers product growth.

Michael Luchen is joined by Brandon Blackman, a product manager at Crema. He is responsible for product planning, client/team relations, as well as long-term and short-term responsibilities for team members to reach the overarching goals throughout a product lifecycle. Listen to learn how product roadmaps can be best used to create great products.

Michael Luchen is joined by CK Hicks, a Creative Technologist, and Scotty Moon, a Senior Application Developer at Crema. Listen to learn more about future trends in product.

Michael Luchen is joined by Elise Fox, a Senior Product Manager at Chegg, an education technology company striving to improve the overall return on investment in education by helping students learn more in less time and at a lower cost. Listen to learn how to transition into product management.

Michael Luchen is joined by Chanel Maddox, a Product Manager at Crema. Chanel helps drive the client visions to fruition to create great product solutions that meet the goals of their business. Listen to learn how to use product strategy to make a meaningful impact.

Michael Luchen is joined by Paul Ortchanian, Founder and CEO of Bain Public. A true consultant, coach, and keynote speaker, and author all wrapped up in one. Paul shares his transition out of the corporate world and into starting his own business, Bain Public. Listen to learn how to cultivate momentum at product teams.

Michael Luchen is joined by Erin Hess, Senior Test Engineer at Crema. She started her career as a graphic designer before becoming a self-taught coder who developed a love for software testing. Listen to learn more about product testing.